Leader

Leader is a length of extra film or tape attached to the head or tail of a reel to assist the operator in threading up a projector, scanner, or other transport. Often, leader may contain written information identifying color information, title or version, aspect ratio, episode number, or even a countdown guide indicating how many frames or feet remain before the start of sound or picture. Leader can also be edited into the body of a reel to create physical separation between cues or takes, often referred to as "fill leader."

Leader can be made from used film or tape, or it can be purchased new. New audiotape leader can also be made from plastic or paper.

All film assets require leader so that the portions of the element containing picture and/or sound don't get handled while threading into a machine.